The Voice Edition 42 - The Robert Napier School

Voice
The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview and
Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the
Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important
dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student
News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students
and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some
important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and
Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents,
students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition
and some important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department
and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember. The newsletter
for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show
Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember. The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier
School includes Department and Student News, Interview and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates to remember.
The newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interview
and Letters, Show Biz, Competition and some important dates for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School. The
newsletter for all parents, students and staff of the Robert Napier School includes Department and Student News, Interviews and Letti
THE
The newsletter for parents, students and staff of The Robert Napier School July 2008 Edition Number 42
Dear Students and Parents
And so I write the final column of academic
year 2007-8. What a year it has been. Beginning
with the best results ever produced by
the school, and ending
with more new buildings
and facilities being
created at Third Avenue
for all our students.
Looking back over the
year’s newsletters, it’s
amazing how much has
been achieved and how passionate we are to
achieve more. I must praise our students for
their excellent attitudes to their learning,
and their politeness and helpfulness with
visitors to the school.
May I also thank our hardworking staff who
give their all to make this the school it is, as
well as the Governors and the Friends of
Robert Napier for all their help over the last
year.
But also you, as parents for the support and
encouragement you give us and your children
so that all may benefit from what the
school has to offer. I hope you enjoy reading
through this bumper edition and seeing a
flavour of some of the activities students
have been involved in.
We look forward to some great results in
August and we anticipate a superb academic
year 2008-9. May I mark the end of this final
newsletter of the year by wishing you ‘happy
and safe holidays’.
Fiona Miller
Head Teacher
THE SCIENCE MUSEUM
“...Inside the Launch Pad I did a lot of things like making giant bubbles and
learning about refraction. I learnt about refraction by a watch being projected
by a light and mirror to make it look higher than it actually was. A lot of people
tried grabbing the watch before realizing it wasn’t there..!”
Read more of the article about this trip on page 3
Business Buddies
Robert Napier now has an official business
buddy, the RSPB. The pairing was made at an
inaugural meeting of the Business Buddies
Scheme hosted by the Medway Education
Business Partnership. The union will involve some of our students
volunteering to help the rangers at the RSPB’s new Cliff Reserve
manage the natural habitat, meaning they can gain their Certificate
of Community Volunteering qualification. We are looking for
more buddies from all types of businesses who may be interested
in mentoring our older students or speaking to our students
about their work. If you own your own business and are able to
help, please contact Miss Matthias.
...The Term Ends on Wednesday 23rd July at 12.00pm,
a Happy Holiday to you all...
PLEASE NOTE
Students’
absences should
be called in daily
on the 24 hour
telephone
absence line:
(01634)
851157
If your child’s
absences are not
reported it will be
marked as
unauthorised.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 2
Staffing Changes
At this time of year, it is customary to bid farewell to a
number of staff. For some it is an opportunity to move
onto a new school, while for others their departure from
Robert Napier marks a new chapter in their lives.
Mr. Falconer is leaving the school after thirteen years
during which he enjoyed several roles including Head
of PE, Head of Year and professional tutor for teacher
training in collaboration with several local universities.
During his time as Head of PE, the new Sports Hall
was built, rugby was introduced to the curriculum and
PE continued to develop as a popular and successful
subject. His firm, but supportive attitude to students
meant that as a Year Head he was approachable and
respected. We wish him a long and happy retirement.
Mr. Nicholson, who has taught at the school for over
thirty years, is retiring. As well as his efforts in the
Geography department over the years, he will be
remembered for his active participation in a wide
range of activities. It was he who originally set up the
Activity Week residential visit to St. Mary’s Bay and
helped run the field trip to Snowdonia. He was also
noted for his fine tenor voice and his energetic
performances as the dame in school pantomimes. Over
the years, he also helped raise much needed money for
school funds through the organisation of quizzes. He
hopes to start a new life in Lincolnshire and we wish
him and his family well.
Mrs. West is moving after seven years at the school to
spend more time with her family. She originally came
to the school as a newly-qualified teacher and during
her time here she has used her energy and enthusiasm
to help develop the Design & Technology department.
In the History Department, Mr. Smith is moving after
six years to take on the challenges of teaching in a
special school. His organisation of numerous History
visits will be missed. Mr. Richardson, on the other
hand, is moving to a Head of Department position in
another school. During his four years at Robert Napier,
his energetic approach in the classroom and outside
with the running of school teams has left an
impression on many. Finally, Mr. Burgess, who
stepped down as head of History last July, but who
returned to teach his Year 11 group, has finally ended
his long association with this school, so that he can
spend more time with his gardening ventures.
In Art, Mr. Taylor and Miss Street have decided to
broaden their experience by moving to other schools
within Kent after two years at the school. We thank
them for the contribution they have both made to
student progress and enjoyment in their subject.
In the Learning Support Department, we also say
goodbye to two long serving LSAs. Mrs. Harrison is
leaving after 13 years. She will be remembered for the
caring, sensitive and patient approach she always
adopted with students. Of late, she has also begun to
lead classes and she will be moving on to become a
cover supervisor in her new school. Mrs. Lees will be
moving to work in a special school after eight years at
Robert Napier. In her time here, her energy and
passion for the welfare of AEN students have seen her
lead several initiatives, including the Socialisation
classes and the Buddy scheme.
Finally, a big thank you to Mrs. Taylor for once again
stepping into the breach when she was needed in the
English department.
To all the members of staff, who are leaving, we
extend our thanks for their efforts during their time at
Robert Napier and we wish them good luck for the
future.
Dear All
We are vey pleased to tell you that this year we have nearly doubled the
amount raised last year to almost £600. A BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers
– parents, staff and pupils, and also to all those who supported us by
buying raffle tickets, refreshments and uniform. We have more plans for next
year including a Quiz & Bingo Night and a Disco for Year 7 in December...
Watch this Space!!
Just an end of year reminder about uniform – any good quality unwanted
uniform can be taken into the school office for us to collect. All donations
gratefully received. Anyone wanting uniform can contact us via the School
office or see our stall at all Parents Evenings.
We are also trying to establish a list of volunteers who would be able to help
out on refreshment stalls once or twice a year, so if you cannot commit to
attending meetings or if it’s not your thing, we would still appreciate you help
in whatever way you can. We are always looking for donations of raffle prizes
or perhaps your firm would be willing to sponsor an event. Once again please
contact us via the school office.
You can help us too by making www.everyclick.com your homepage. Every
search done using this page earns us money!! And in January we will be
collecting used mobile phones for recycling for which we receive a donation.
For anyone interested in joining us, our next meeting is on 18th September in
the School Library at 6:30pm. All are welcome!
Happy Holidays...
The ‘Friends of Robert Napier School’
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Many thanks to all parents/
carers who have attended.
We have enjoyed a very
successful year ending with
a cream tea.
The purpose of the group
is to share experiences and
ideas, offer advice and
have a laugh.
Over the year we have had
different speakers ranging
from the Autistic Outreach
Service, Educational
Psychologist Service,
School Counsellor, Year Heads and Head Teacher.
During one session we sampled canteen food and we were all impressed with the
quality and variety of fresh food. In another session Mrs Lees (LSA) demonstrated
some of the games used in Socialisation to much hilarity. We set our own agenda
with the emphasis on informality. Children are welcome but they are the
responsibility of the parent/carer.
Drop in session dates are as follows: 1st October 2008, 5th November 2008,
3rd December 2008, 7th January 2009, 4th February 2009, 4th March 2009,
1st April 2009, 6th May 2009, 3rd June 2009 and 1st July 2009.
J Wilford SENCO

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 3
Science Museum
On the trip to the London Science Museum I was not very impressed, because on the way
there George threw up all over me causing me to feel sick too. That was a part of science and
the body I did not want to learn about!
When we got inside the museum an explainer took us into a room to tell us about the Launch
Pad. I was really impressed because the Launch Pad was all practical, that made me enjoy it a
lot more because I’m kinesthetic. This means I prefer to do things with my hands. Inside the
Launch Pad I did a lot of things like making giant
bubbles and learning about refraction. I learnt about refraction by a
watch being projected by a light and mirror to make it look higher than
it actually was. A lot of people tried grabbing the watch before realizing
it wasn’t there. I also learnt about waves and that bubbles were made
up of 99% water and 1% soap (that impressed me a lot because I would
never have thought it was true). There was a lot to do in the Launch Pad
and I didn’t want to leave that area.
The IMAX film soon made me realize that there were a lot of exciting
things other than the launch pad. We watched a film about the Space
Station and it was like a 3D simulator. The film told us about the
dangers of working on the outside of the space station and the people
who risked their lives putting it together. The film also told us that the
space station is being built about 3464km above us right now.
After lunch we went into the space room for 10 minutes before heading
to the energy room. In the energy room there were a lot of computer
games to play. I played two games. They both made me aware of saving,
not wasting energy. This is a very important message to get across to
people. I really enjoyed that day and wish to go again very soon.
By Alysha Sarpong (07H)
Getting it Right for September
A Message to
Students
The summer
holidays are a time
of enjoyment and
an opportunity to
come back refreshed,
so that you
can do your very
best in September.
A major part of
this is to do with
organisation.
Here is a check list
of things which will
help you do well
next year, save you
some time and
keep you out of
trouble!
Bring a Sensible
School Bag
See page 8
Use your School
Planner
See page 6 for details
of the planners
Bring the Right
Equipment
See page 11 for what
you are expected to
bring
Attend Regularly
See page 4
Be Healthy
See pages 5 and 10
Be Punctual
See page 10
Getting it Right!
Wear the Right
Uniform
See page 8 for
what is and what is
not school uniform
Requests for leave of
absence for holidays
during term time.
We all need and enjoy
holidays, however we must
ensure that these do not impact
on our students learning
or the work of the school.
The school no longer uses
the Request for Leave of
Absence from School form
for holidays in term time as
this may give the impression
that the school is prepared
to authorise a term time
holiday request.
It is important to stress that
parents have no statutory
rights to remove a child from
school during term time, for
the purpose of a holiday. In
all cases of absence it is the
responsibility of the school
to decide whether absence
is unauthorised or authorised.
A holiday, which has
been taken without authorisation,
will be classed as
unauthorised absence and be
included on student and
school records.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 4
Robert Napier School Cookery Clubs
Why join us for cookery club?
• We learn how to cook different types of foods
• We try new foods we might not have tried before
• We make nutritionally balanced foods as well as the odd
festive treat!
Our Tuesday clubs are:
September- December Parent and Child cookery club
January- April 6 th Form cookery club
Our Thursday Clubs are:
January- April key stage 3 cooker club
May- July key stage 3 cookery club
The Hot Seat
Always thought you’d make a
better football manager then
Fabio Capello? Well now is your
chance to prove it. Check out the
new enterprise computer game on
your shared area called Hot Seat. Experience
buying and selling players on a club
budget, gaining sponsorship and build a new
stadium. Time to polish up those enterprise
skills and help Duncastle win the Cup.
All cookery clubs will last approximately 2 hours and run for
10 weeks
For the last two years these classes have proved very popular
and spaces are limited so if you are interested in any of our
courses please contact us by returning the slip to:-
Mrs Sue Phyall,
Hospitality and Catering Instructor
Our New School Council for
2008-2009 has arrived!
Over this term we have been holding elections for
form representative. In year group assemblies the
form representatives gave their speech as to why
they should be elected onto the School Council.
Three school representatives were then elected:
Year 8: (8E) Robert Weston, (8H) Sean Busby, (8U) Alfie Andrews
Year 9: (9M) Jack Cooke, (8I) Charlie Balderston, (8H) Charlotte Stockdale
Year 10: (10M) Harjit Bassan, (10N) Mitchell McKenzie, (10I) Ellouise
Lewis
Year 11: (11U) Shadise West Head Girl, (11U) Joel Tedham Head Boy
(11M) Jack Hursell, (11R) Emilie Bell Vice Head Girl, (11H) Samuel Reid
Vice Head Boy
Link Teacher: Mrs J Dunnett
I would like to thank all the students involved within this process and
to thank all the form representatives for their speeches.
The school council from next year will be holding their meetings on
a Tuesday during registration. If any one would like to make suggestions
for the school which they would like the school council to discuss
they can place their suggestion in the suggestion box situated in
the library. The school council is very keen from next year to create a
powerful student voice in the school and Mrs Dunnett will be working
with the prefects and Mr Leadbetter to make sure that this happens.
The focus will be on litter, creating a nice school environment and
making sure the toilets are clean.
THE SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE
YES? THEN COME TO
HELD IN THE LIBRARY EVERY
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND
THURSDAY
3.00 – 3.45
LSA’S ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
WE HAVE BOOKS, COMPUTERS, A
PHOTOCOPIER AND PRINTERS.
ASK IN THE LIBRARY FOR A
PERMISSION SLIP.
PLEASE NOTE: THE TIME HAS CHANGED
FROM 3.15 – 4.00 TO 3.00 – 3.45
Getting it Right!
Recent research has confirmed what has always
been thought: if your attendance dips below
95%, you will do significantly worse than those
who are rarely away. This should be no surprise
because if you are absent for 10% of the year,
you are missing almost two weeks of school,
which is hard to catch up.
100% ATTENDANCE
So, if you are going to do well next year, aim for
100% attendance. Only be off if you are really ill,
and try to book dental and doctor’s appointments
for out of school hours. Birthdays are not
valid reasons for time off. Family holidays should
be taken when school has broken up.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 5
Throughout the year a group of year nine students
have been taking part in the Aim Higher Languages
Project. This course involved us learning about the
different languages spoken across the world and
how learning to speak some of these languages
can be beneficial for us.
We had some visits from Chatham grammar school
for boys' sixth form where we learnt how essential
knowing a variety of languages can be in every day
and when applying for jobs. The project organise by
the previous learning mentor, Kirsty King, who left in
July, had its own website on which we could meet students from other schools who were also taking
part in the project. we could also use this to access resources which could help us with our understanding
of the different cultures in the world.
The course was really advantageous because it made us aware that although we may not realise it,
being able to speak other languages can be really useful through our lives. we would like to thank
Kirsty for organising such a great project which we all enjoyed and we wish her all her best for her
futures.
A great thank you to Mrs Lundie for choosing us to take part in he course. we are sure that everything
that we've learnt will be handy in our future. by Jeslin Joseph and Sarah Gibson (Year 9)
NEWS From the MFL Department
Miss Charles has organised a trip to Barcelona for all students studying Spanish. We are going to spend
5 days there in December and have a chance to discover Spanish culture, food and practise some Spanish
of course. Meanwhile Ms Rakoto has just booked a trip to Paris in March 2009. We will be visiting
the capital city of France as well as enjoy Euro Disney for a day. If you are interested you will be able to
pick up a letter from your French teacher in September.
Our lunch time Boules club has proved very successful with year 7 pupils with often 20 of
them coming to play in the MFL garden. We will be back in September, weather permitting,
In September, we will start the after-school languages courses again. This is for year 9-10 and 11
beginners as well as intermediate. We are offering Spanish Entry Level (Levels 1 to 3) and Foundation
Certificate (Levels 4 to 6).This year we achieved 100% success rate again. if you are interested by any of
these clubs talk to Ms Charles or your French teacher.
DATA
PROTECTION
AND YOUR
RIGHTS
This school passes on information
to various bodies,
which include other schools,
LEAs, the DfES and QCA. We
are also legally required to
pass on such information to
the Connexions Service and
for the Connexions Card.
The Connexions Service
supports young people,
helping them to achieve their
potential and to realise the
full benefits of education,
learning and employment.
To do this effectively, the
service does need to receive
information about the young
people, with whom they are
working. This includes
contact details of students
and their parents or carers,
gender, date of birth, special
educational needs, school
attended and Key Stage or
examination results.
This information is
automatically passed onto
the Connexions Service by
the school. However, if you
do not wish this to happen,
parents (and after the age of
16, the student) have the
right to opt out. Should you
wish to opt out, please
inform the Headteacher in
writing and the necessary
arrangements will be made.
Up the Workers
Miss Miller was delighted to present well earned
certificates to 13 of our students for their successful
completion of one year of extended work placements.
The lunch reception was hosted by the
Medway Education Business Partnership at BAE
Systems, Rochester.
The students attend a work placement two days
per week learning hands-on about an area of employment
in which they are interested. Placements
have included: the Sunlight Café, Kent Bathrooms,
Cycle King, and Hidson’s Garage. Review
meetings are held every 6 weeks and have shown
that our students are the best in the area.
CONTINUED POLICY FOR MOBILE PHONES
This September we do not want to see any student using
their mobile phone at any time during the school day.
Mobile phones that ring during lesson time
will be confiscated.
Phones must be kept in bags and turned off
or on silent at all times, even during breaktime
and lunch. Once the school day has
finished and students are beginning their
journey home they will then be able to pick
up any messages needed. Our office staff will of course
continue to pass on urgent messages you may need to get
to your son/daughter as quickly as possible.
Use of mobile phones to take photographs, to record
sound, or to play music, games or movies is prohibited at
school; students using their phones in this way will have
them confiscated. The use of mobile telephones to send
unwanted messages /calls will be treated as bullying and
may result in exclusion.
In the school no responsibility is taken by the school for
loss of a mobile telephone however this occurs.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 6
See yourself
in print!
Are You in it?
Breakfast Club
T H E R O B E R T N A P I E R S C H O O L
S
ince February 2007 we have been
holding a Breakfast Club in the
school canteen from 7.45 to 8.30am
everyday (during term time). The School
library is also open from 7.45am if students
want to read, write and retreat!
The students have been able to have
a hot drink and toast or are able to
purchase other foods. There are members of
staff in the canteen to assist and supervise
the students whilst the club is running.
Only £2.50!
THANKS TO STUDENTS
BUYING BOOKS FROM
SCHOLASTIC LEAFLETS,
WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADD
£75 WORTH OF FREE BOOKS TO
THE LIBRARY THIS YEAR.
The English Department are thrilled to offer you
the chance to buy the FIRST EVER Robert Napier School
Anthology - a collection of all the best work produced by
you, our students, this year. This publication includes:
Poems, Stories, GCSE/A Level Art and Photography as well
as the winners of the WINNING WORDS competition!
The Anthology is a chance for us to celebrate your
achievements - we hope you’ll show your support.
Order a copy from your English teacher today for the
bargain price of only £2.50.
Getting it Right!
Things that are worthwhile usually need a bit of
planning. That is why we have a School Planner
at Robert Napier. It helps you organize yourself,
so that you meet deadlines and can achieve to
your true potential. For the record: Your planner
will be small enough to fit into your side blazer
pocket so there should be no excuse for ever
being without it.
USE YOUR PLANNER
PROTECTING
YOUR DATA
This school, like any
other, has information
about you and your
child, which from time
to time we are obliged
to share with other
bodies.
See page 3 to find
out about your rights
We still need
your support!
A very big thank you
to everyone who sent
in Tesco Sport for
Schools Vouchers,
Sainsbury Active Kid
Vouchers, Tesco
Computers for
Schools Vouchers and Nestle Book Tokens. The
collection boxes are in the
Library and a big thank you
goes to all the students who
count them and bundle them
up ready for posting.
Thank you for your
continuing support.
Mrs Priest,
Librarian.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 7
Getting it Right!
WORK TOWARDS
YOUR TARGETS
When you want to
improve anything in
life, it is important to
work out what is not
quite right and then,
set some targets to aim
for to help you makes
things better. That is
one of the reasons we
have Progress Review
days.
On the 25 th June 2008, the Year 11 Leavers’ Ball was held at Woodlands Primary School. It was
an extremely successful evening attended by 100 students and 30 staff. All of the students
made a massive effort and looked very smart. The staff all agreed that they were an asset to
the school and we look forward to the next Leavers’ Ball. Miss K Smith
For the record: it is your
responsibility to know
the targets that were
set for you in June,
write them in your
planner, remember
them and to work
towards them actively
when you get back to
school in September.
Your form tutor will be
reviewing these targets
with you in December
and will be expecting to
see some progress.
Sell for Success while
you Learn to Earn
Year 10 enjoyed an exhilarating ‘The
Apprentice’-style enterprise day on the
8 th of July. Tears and moments of genius
were witnessed as students worked together
to problem solve and create a
games console fit for the market place.
This was followed by a careers day also
run by the prestigious Young Enterprise
organisation. The Learn to Earn event
involved students honing their interview
techniques through ‘speed interviewing’.
Miss Matthias would like to thank all
involved.
The school have purchased a new on-line
careers programme called Fast Tomato. It
allows students to log on at home or school
and investigate different career options. The
programme is simple to use and suitable for
all year groups.
Just follow these simple log on instructions
to start investigating your future:
• Go to www.fasttomato.com
• Click the 'Get your Free Login' button
• Enter the 'Fast Track Code' of RNSG
• Click the ‘Get Login’ button (make a
note of your username and password)
• Select your ‘School Year’ and click
the ‘Start Fast Tomato’ button in the
green box
• Complete the ‘My interests’ questionnaire
• Start investigating your career options
WALK TO SCHOOL
As part of a healthy
lifestyle, it is important
that we all exercise
regularly. We should
like to encourage all
members of the school
community where
possible to walk to
school.
As well as helping to
keep us fit, it will help
to reduce the congestion
in Third Avenue at
the start and end of the
day.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 8
School Uniform
We are proud of our uniform at Robert Napier.
It helps to give you a sense of belonging, as
well as being practical and relatively
inexpensive.
Look at the information in the poster. It will
help you understand what is and is not
considered school uniform, so that you can
keep out of trouble.
Shown below is the Correct
School Uniform for girls and boys in
years 7 to 10
School Myths:
• “I’m allowed to wear a hoody and a baseball
cap.” IT IS UNTRUE!
• “Jeans, ski pants or combat trousers can be
worn at school.” IT IS UNTRUE!
• “Black trainers count as shoes.”
IT IS UNTRUE!
• “I don’t need a big bag for school to carry
my books and equipment.”
IT IS UNTRUE!
• “A pink jacket can be worn
instead of a school blazer.”
IT IS UNTRUE!
In year 11, the uniform changes to:
Year 11 Boys White shirt, Maroon sweatshirt
and tie (purchased from the school) Plain grey
or black tailored trousers and Black or brown
shoes - no trainers
Shown below is the Incorrect
School Uniform for years 7 to 10
Year 11 Girls White shirt or blouse, Maroon
sweatshirt (purchased from the school) Grey or
black skirt of appropriate length or tailored
trousers and Black or brown shoes - no trainers
Discreet make-up and jewellery may be worn.
No earrings other than a single stud or small
ring worn in each ear. No denim or leather
or hoodies to be worn. All items of school
clothing should be labelled.
We hope this clears up any queries you may
have about uniform. Please remember that you
are expected to wear uniform during school
hours and this includes your journey to and
from school in the morning and the afternoon.
Getting it Right!
HAVE A GOOD SIZED SCHOOL BAG
For the record: all students in whatever year need
a bag that is large enough to take their pencil
case, exercise books and folders and textbooks,
as well as other items, such as PE kit, packed
lunches etc. If you are arriving at school with anything
smaller, you are not taking the job seriously!
Jewellery and make-up are not permitted for Years 7
to 10 students. However Year 11 students may wear
discreet make-up and a single stud or
small ring in each ear.
All items of school clothing
must be labelled. No
hoodies, jackets or baseball
caps are allowed. Neither
are Jeans, ski pants or
combat trousers.
Boots or trainers are
not allowed. Please
wear sensible flat
black shoes only.
...No Hoodies to be worn EVER...

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 9
Getting it Right!
HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Staff waste too much time in lessons sorting out
students, who do not come to school with the necessary
equipment.
For the record: all students in whatever year need
a pencil case, in which there are pens (blue or
black ink), pencils, a rubber, pencil sharpener, ruler
and coloured pencils. It is a good idea to buy some
multi-packs, which are available quite cheaply
locally, and then, top up your pencil case as pens
etc run out or get lost.
Here is the list of everyday Basic Equipment:
• Good, strong bag to carry books in
• School Planner, timetable and rough book
• Drink/ Water Bottle – filled ready for the
school day
• Ball point pen or fountain pen
• Pencil, rubber, sharpener and ruler
• Calculator
• Subject equipment (such as: P.E Kit,
Technology Apron and cooking ingredients,
French Dictionary or Art Portfolio)
• Dinner card or packed lunch
• Correct uniform
• Any letters or slips to be returned
• All books for the day
• Any homework to be returned
• Incident Card
How do
I Apply?
You can apply
directly at:-
www.
yourchoiceinmedway.org.uk
If you need help
or further details,
please contact
Mrs C. Logan,
Head of Sixth
Form.
For a visit to
view the
Robert Napier
Sixth Form
please contact
Mrs Logan.
THE
ROBERT
NAPIER
SCHOOL
SIXTH FORM
Your Future-
Your Sixth Form
LEVEL 3 COURSES
A Levels
• HISTORY
• ENGLISH LITERATURE
• ART & DESIGN (PHOTOGRAPHY)
• PSYCHOLOGY
• APPLIED SCIENCE
• MATHEMATICS
• PE
• ICT
Vocational Courses
• BTEC HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (National Award)
• BTEC PERFORMING ARTS (National Award Acting)
• BTEC BUSINESS (National Award, Certificate
& Diploma)
• CACHE CHILD CARE & EDUCATION (Diploma)
• BTEC ART & DESIGN (National Award)
• BTEC MEDIA STUDIES (National Award)
LEVEL 2 COURSES
Vocational Courses
• CACHE CHILD CARE & EDUCATION
(Certificate )
01634 852968
e-mail: sixthform@robertnapier.medway.sch.uk
CACHE Display
Open Days
CACHE (Childcare)
Diploma Students showed
off an impressive exhibition
of work at their recent
Display Open Days.
The event was held in the
hall of the
Sixth
Form at
Beresford
Road
between
the 13th
and 16th
July 2008.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 10
Healthier Lunchboxes
“A lunchbox provides a valuable contribution towards a child’s nutritional requirements
for a day.” Mintel.(2002). Research carried out by the Food Standards
Agency has said that students who have a packed lunch are eating too
much salt, sugar and saturated fat. At the Robert Napier School we are
committed to improving the health of our students and so are encouraging
both parents and students to follow the Healthy Lunchbox Checklist.
Have you included...
• A good portion of starchy food e.g. wholegrain bap, thick sliced wholemeal
bread, chapatti, pitta pocket, pasta or rice salad?
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables, e.g. an apple, Satsuma, handful of
cherry tomatoes or carrot sticks, mini-can of fruit chunks or small box
of raisins?
• A portion of semi-skimmed milk or dairy food, e.g. individual cheese
portion or pot of yoghurt?
• A portion of lean meat, fish or alternative, e.g. ham, chicken, beef,
tuna, egg or hummus?
• A drink, e.g. fruit juice, semi-skimmed milk or
a bottle of water?
Your New Peer Mentors…
The following students will be Peer Mentors from September and
will either be on duty in the Peer Mentor Room (the MFL office), or
will be on hand at break and lunch times on the playground and field
for you to go to if you need some support.
Peer Mentor Managers: Emily Mather and Paige West (11T)
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Mason Lynch, Charles Roberts, Michael Keers,
Kelly Graves, Danielle Dunster, Devon Costen,
Alysha Sarpong, Kesley Birch, Michael Crosland,
Georgina Moore, Sam Barnes, Laura Crowhurst,
Margaret Harris, Sandi Holland (Harvey),
Hannah Dunning, Callum Carr.
Zac Mann, Christopher Edwicker, Sasha Pay,
Jess Swadling, Charlotte Carrigan
Sarah Gibson
Enjoy your lunch!
Amber Cloughley, Sophie Cahill
The Peer Mentors are now from all year groups (except year 7) so
you will always have someone around to help you if you are being
bullied or if you just want someone to listen to you. In your form
rooms there will be the new Peer Mentor poster with the timetable
of when each student is on duty, so you can drop by to see certain
peer mentors or make an appointment.
By V Woodrow
Getting it Right!
Year 5 Bastille Day
Year 5 students from Saxon Way Primary School
attended a cross-curricular day at Robert Napier on
the 26 th June. They took part in 3 lessons to learn
more about Bastille Day. They started the day learning
some key French phrases with Miss Rakotonanahary.
Most students managed to avoid the guillotine
and so preceded to their cooking lesson with Mrs
Woodrow. Here they used their culinary expertise to
produce a range of dishes that would have been
eaten at the time, which they were able to take
home with them.
The final lesson of the day was drama. They produced
a variety of tableaux to illustrate the storming
of the Bastille with Miss Cuell after a few fun
and energetic warm ups. By the end of the day the
students had
learned a lot
about the holiday
as well as
having a great
time.
Miss L.Duffield
Community Events
Co-ordinator.
Please, if you ever need support or
need someone to talk to use them, they
have been trained by Kidscape
to listen effectively to your problems –
You never need to suffer in silence!

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 11
Staffing Changes
New Staff for September
Mr D Jinks
(Geography)
Mr D Mathews
(History)
Mr G Moynes
(PE)
Miss J Pullen (D & T)
Mr P Walsh
(Science)
Miss L MacLeod (History)
Miss Hollie Allen (History)
Miss L Bassant
(Art)
Miss Ming Hui Huang (Mathematics)
Miss R Stewart
(Art)
Miss C Durkan
(RE)
We wish them a happy and fulfilling time at
the Robert Napier.
Year 8 Science Trip to Oare
Gunpowder Works
On 26 th June 28 Year 8 students travelled in 2 minibuses out to
Faversham to visit the Oare Gunpowder Works. Despite the
name of the site we weren’t going to blow things up! In fact,
with the help of the Groundwork Trust students learnt about the
ecology and wildlife on this historical site! After a tour of the site
and mapping some of the different habitats, students made
comparisons of the environmental conditions and the species
living in grassland and woodland habitats.
After lunch the student got a chance to explore another habitat
– the pond! The pond dipping was definitely a favorite activity
for many students. The students had a great day and it really
supported their Year 8 Interdependence topic and gave them
hands on experience of identification and sampling techniques.
DEANGATE 2008
We took a group of students to
the Medway District Athletics
Competition at Deangate Ridge
in June this year.
Getting it Right!
It is vital that you get into the routine of arriving at
school and lessons on time. It maximizes the amount
of teaching and learning time in school and is also a
good habit for adult life.
100% PUNCTUALITY
For the record: school begins with registration at
8.40am followed by lesson 1 each morning; students
attendance at registration is compulsory. In the afternoon
lesson 5 begin at 1.55pm.
If your punctuality has been poor this year, set yourself
a target of improving it. Get yourself an alarm
clock over the holidays, so that you get yourself up
early enough to arrive at school in good time.
The students performed
extremely well in all of the
events, with us achieving many
1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd places. Overall
the day was fun and very enjoyable
for all of the students and
staff.
This year the students
performed extremely
well and showed that
we are able to compete
successfully against
other schools in
Medway.

The Voice Newsletter of The Robert Napier School; July 2008 Page 12
SPORTS
ROUND UP
Important Dates for Your Diary (2008-9)
END OF TERM 6 - Term Ends at 12pm 23 rd July 2008
STAFF TRAINING (students not in school) 8 th September 2008
TERM 1: YEAR 7 STUDENTS
AND YEAR 12 START AT 08:40 9 th September 2008
ALL STUDENTS RETURN 10 th September 2008
YR 10 KS4 EXPECTATION EVENING 18 th September 2008
YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP 18 th September 2008
YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING 25 th September 2008
TARGET SETTING DAY 3 rd October 2008
YR 11 HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE TRIP 8 th October 2008
YEAR 11 RE TRIP 15 th October 2008
STAFF TRAINING (students not in school) 16 th October 2008
END OF TERM 1 24 th October 2008
Sports Day 2008
Despite the rain preventing us from finishing
with the relays, sports day was a great success,
with a few records being broken and all the students
who entered the events giving their utmost.
Assemblies celebrated the achievement of all participants
for their determined contributions as part of their
form’s team. Individual winners were presented with
certificates and the winning forms with a trophy.
The Year 7 winning form was 7R “They all did very
well and love their shiny new trophy!” said their Form
Tutor.
The Year 8 winning form was 8I and the winning
Year 9 form was 9N. This year, two of the most noted
students who bettered existing records were:- Amber
Curtis who had a time of 52.29 seconds in the Year 7
girls 300m and Luci Hedges who threw 17 meters in
the Year 8 girls discus competition.
Many thanks to all the staff and students who helped
organise and run this enjoyable afternoon.
Interform Competitions
Approximately 690 students from Years 7, 8 & 9
competed in Cricket, Rounders, Netball and Football
interform competitions. Students again showed much
determination, skill and focus to try and outwit other
forms in their year groups in order to gain the prestigious
interform cups. Winners of the competitions were
7E , 8H & 8U (joint winners), & 9M.
Sports Club Fayre
A selection of our students attended the Sterling
Centre in Rochester to partake in various sports linked
to local sports clubs within our community. Students
were given opportunities to initiate Club links with
local Table Tennis, Judo, Football, Tennis, Dance
Badminton, Ice Hockey and Cricket clubs.
From September, a Sports Ambassadors Notice board
will be situated in the School’s Sports Hall to encourage
all students to make links with established local
Sports Clubs and increase our students’ activity levels
‘outside’ of school hours (2 hours a week is the
‘current’ government target!!). Parents wishing to
promote their son or daughters’ current sports club
should contact Mr Walsh.
TERM 2: STUDENTS RETURN 3 rd November 2008
YEAR 6 OPEN MORNINGS 11 th - 13 th November 2008
YRS 10/11 GCSE MATHS MODULES 13 th November 2008
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 19 th November 2008
STAFF TRAINING (students not in school) 19 th November 2008
YRS 10/11 GCSE SCIENCE MODULES 20 th November 2008
BARCELONA TRIP 1 st - 5 th December 2008
YEAR 11 PRESENTATION EVENING 4 th December 2008
YEAR 11 GCSE MOCK EXAMS start 12 th December 2008
YEAR 7 CAROL SERVICE 16 th - 17 th December 2008
END OF TERM 2 (Early Finish) 19 th December 2008
TERM 3: STUDENTS RETURN 5 th January 2009
YEAR 10 PARENTS’ EVENING 8 th January 2009
YR 11 ADDITION. SCIENCE MODULES 15 th January 2009
YEAR 11 PARENTS’ EVENING 15 th January 2009
YEARS 8/9 SATS PREP EVENING 22 nd January 2009
YEARS 8/9 OPTIONS EVENING 3 rd February 2009
YEAR 11 REVISION SEMINAR 5 th - 6 th February 2009
END OF TERM 3 13 th February 2009
STAFF TRAINING (students not in school) 23 rd February 2009
TERM 4: STUDENTS RETURN 24 th February 2009
YEAR 10/11 GCSE MATHS MODULES 3 rd March 2009
YEAR 10/11 GCSE SCIENCE MODULES 4 th March 2009
SIXTH FORM PARENTS’ EVENING 25 th March 2009
END OF TERM 4 (Early Finish) 3 rd April 2009
TERM 5: STUDENTS RETURN 20 th April 2009
BANK HOLIDAY (students not in school) 4 th May 2009
YEAR 9 SATs 5 th - 8 th May 2009
YRS 7 - 10 SCHOOL EXAMS start 11 th - 15 th May 2009
END OF TERM 5 22 nd May 2009
TERM 6: STUDENTS RETURN 1 st June 2009
YEAR 10/11 GCSE MATHS MODULES 11 th June 2009
YEAR 10/11 GCSE SCIENCE MODULES 22 nd June 2009
YEAR 12 INDUCTION DAY 24 nd June 2009
ART EXHIBITION 26 th - 30 th June 2009
YEAR 11 LEAVERS PROM 1 st July 2009
YEAR 6 INDUCTION DAY 2 nd July 2009
YEAR 6 INDUCTION EVENINGS 6 th & 7 th July 2009
YEAR 6 INDUCTION DAY 9 th July 2009
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE starts 13 th - 24 th JULY 2009
SPORTS DAY 14 th July 2009
RESERVE SPORTS DAY 15 th July 2009
BARTON HALL TRIP 20 th - 24 th JULY 2009
END OF TERM 6 (Early Finish) 24 th July 2009
Unless otherwise stated the opinions and comments expressed in this newsletter, The Voice are those of the contributors
and not of The Robert Napier School. Anyone who has a comment to make on the content of this publication or has a
contribution for inclusion should send it to:-
Head Teacher: Fiona Miller B.A., M.Sc Oxon. THE ROBERT NAPIER SCHOOL, Third Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 2LX
Telephone: (01634) 851157; Fax: (01634) 280972; Email: trns@robertnapier.medway.sch.uk
This newsletter is edited and produced by ICT, and printed by the school Reprographics Department.
...STOP PRESS: The Voice on the web This edition and previous issues of The Voice can be viewed in colour and downloaded
from the School Website (by selecting Newsletter in the menu) www.robertnapier.medway.sch.uk